My Approach to Singing

 

My main goal is to help singers have a healthy technique that is easy on the voice and ears. I work hard on getting relaxation into the vocal tract - larynx, pharynx, tongue, jaw, and lips. These parts of the anatomy need to be doing as little as necessary while the big work is done down below in the body. The torso is responsible for supporting the breathing mechanism- the diaphragm. The breath that engages the vocal chords is like a violinist's bow on the strings. The bow is the most important element for achieving tone, line, steadiness, and control in general. 

 

Control comes from strength and coordination. Think of an athlete - the more the muscles are worked and trained, the better the performance. And with strength comes coordination. I have developed special exercises to help build this strength and control. 

 

One can have all the control in the world, but when it comes to performance a whole different set of skills are required. What makes a performance noteworthy is the combination of interpretation, style, phrasing, diction, use of vibrato, and of course pitch and rhythm. I give much attention to these elements as they can make or break a good performance.

 

I am fortunate to have a very diverse musical background. Different styles of music require different vocal approaches. We treat the voice differently depending on what style is being sought after. Classical singing is very different from Country, which is different from Jazz which is different from Pop. I know these differences and can focus on the style and approach to technique that suits your voice and taste. Different voices lend themselves to one style over another and I can help you determine what's best for your particular voice.